The Varsity Home Renovation

Welcome to Varsity Estates, Calgary circa 1972. Everyone was listening to Brandy (You’re A Fine Girl) by The Looking Glass and building kitchens with natural light-oak cabinets. This was a time when “luxury appliances” meant having a dishwasher with a natural wood panel to match the cabinets. This kitchen had already been updated once with painted cabinets and a new floor before we got involved.

The owners had a vision of an open concept, contemporary kitchen with some raw elements to it. Instead of being stuck in a corner they wanted to open the space and add a wide island for extra counter space and additional seating options. However, this would involve changing the entire footprint of the upper floor.

The Transformation With the design drawings in hand and a vision of modern luxury we got to work and stripped the entire main floor. In order for this to work, we have to move several walls.

Before

During Construction

The Final Product The new kitchen is breath-taking. The island is a natural focal point with natural walnut panels that contrast the bright white quartz. The kitchen opens into the rest of the main floor with the quartz waterfall edge being the only separation. The two new windows bring in more light to highlight the raw features of the materials used.

About Fire Ant ContractingEd & Sara Bushnell own and manage Fire Ant Contracting in Calgary, Alberta. They are passionate about their work and dedicated to providing outstanding renovations and an unbeatable experience for their clients. Fire Ant Contracting offers a fully supported luxury renovation service with an in-depth home client consultation, design services and full project management.